Music

All students study a broad range of styles which incorporates composing, performing, listening and appraising skills. They take part in both group and paired activities and are assessed on their practical projects as well as on appraisal skills.

Year 7

Students are introduced to the basic elements of music through a variety of topics. Students start by studying melody both through singing and learning to play melodies on the keyboard. Building on this, students learn about harmony and create a group performance using chords on piano, ukulele or guitar to support the melody. From there, pupils learn about rhythm with an introduction to rhythmic notation and values which they then will implement in creating their own polyrhythmic pieces. The combination of melody, harmony and rhythm comes together in group performances of ‘Three Little Birds’ which is also one of the ways students are able to explore music from a variety of different cultures. Students learn the basics of music technology through midi software (Soundtrap) and music notation software (Flat.io) which they use to explore notation,  instrumentation, and create their own compositions. Each of these topics are supported by appraisal (listening) assessments.  

Year 8

Students study music from a variety of cultures, including Indian music. Here, students learn about different instruments and sound worlds, and explore elements of both performance and group composition. Students learn how music can create mood in music from Film and TV, and complete an individual performance-based topic playing a theme from film music on the keyboard. This leads on to a topic on Musicals where students create a group performance of a piece from a Musical. Students explore dance music over time including waltz, disco, electronic dance music and bhangra, culminating in a dance music composition on soundtrap. Similarly, building on their music tech knowledge from year 7, students use ‘flat.io’ to explore notation and arrangement through ‘Pachelbel’s Canon’. Each of these topics are supported by appraisal (listening) assessments.

Year 9

In year 9 students build upon their previous keyboard skills and musical terminology through Video Game Music and are individually assessed on a performance. From this, students work on ‘Cover Songs’ in groups, aiming to re-create a section of a popular song and build their collaboration and ensemble skills. Pupils learn about different cultures and musical structures through the ‘Blues and Jazz’ module culminating in a group performance and including improvisation.  Pupils look at writing their own pieces of popular music influenced by the ‘independent learning’ approach adopted by Musical Futures, with the option to do this using musical software such as soundtrap or flat.io.

In each year group students will also have access to the super-curriculum - optional tasks that we recommend that they complete in order to extend their knowledge of the subject.

At GCSE we approach music with a strong emphasis on performing, both solo and ensemble, listening and composing. Pupils get the opportunity to work alone, in a class setting and in small groups. Pupils study 8 set works in four different areas of music and will answer questions on these as part of their listening exam, which is worth 40% of the GCSE. Pupils perform at regular intervals throughout the 2 year course on their chosen instrument, in preparation for a final solo and ensemble performance which contributes to 30% of the final grade. Pupils also submit two unique compositions, one free and one set brief, making up the final 30% of the GCSE.

The department provides numerous opportunities for students to participate in many different types of performances within school, in the local community and on tour.  A range of groups is on offer and students are actively encouraged to participate in these groups. There are currently five choirs; senior and junior, as well as a girls choir, male voice choir and a more selective chamber choir.  We have an Orchestra, and a Junior Orchestra, as well as a flourishing Swing band who regularly perform both in and out of school. We also have numerous smaller ensembles such as flute group, string group and guitar group. As well as this, there are multiple rock bands, and a pop and rock school where students are able to come together to learn to play in an ensemble. 

All these ensembles regularly perform at school concerts as well as numerous events across Tring and collaborative projects across Hertfordshire Schools. As well as this, we offer open mic nights to give students a chance to perform individually prepared solo or small group pieces. Please head to the Clubs & Extracurricular page of the website to see the full range of music sessions available to students.